Optimal design of a low-power, phase-switching modulator for implantable medical applications

Abstract Since first proposed in JSSC [1], phase-switching modulation has been proved to be a viable transmission scheme. In this paper, we explored the maximum data-rate of phase-switching modulation and proposed a modified quadrature oscillator with a self-bias circuit to isolate the disturbance in power supply and ground. Dividers and filter are also optimized to minimize parasitic resistor and capacitor. The prototype is fabricated in a 0.18 μm CMOS process, with an active chip area of about 0.13 mm × 0.35 mm. The total power consumption of the modulator is only 2 mW with an energy efficiency of 80 pJ/Bit. This modulator has been successfully embedded in a direct-up conversion transmitter for medical application.

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